Local Notes: Naming of GAA club tops the agenda
Members of Knockmore/Foxford Boxing Club who recently received gratitude awards in recognition of their fundraising efforts. Front row, from left: Cayden Murray, Kevin Spellman, Ciara Hughes, Donnacha Goggins and Benjamin Garvin. Middle row, from left: Kaiden Hardy, Martin Lawrence, Alexander Domagala, Charlie Hughes, Se Dempsey, Shane Macken and Joshua Garvin. Back row, from left: Joseph Hannon (coach) and Cian Hannigan. Absent were Jonah Gallagher, Pearse Lawless, Lorcan and Warren Ryder.
An important full club meeting of Bohola Moy Davitts GAA that had been planned for this coming Sunday, has been postponed due to a clash with Mayo's game away to Galway in Round 1 of the 2024 National Football League.
The meeting will be rescheduled, with its purpose being to discuss one particular motion that was raised at the club’s annual general meeting held prior to Christmas. The motion read as follows: “To review reverting back to ‘Moy Davitts GAA’ as the official name of the Club, in order to consolidate the Club’s core identity in its four catchment areas.”
It is hoped that as many club members as possible can attend to discuss this issue, once the new date is confirmed.
Clear your throats for the first gathering of 2024 of the Foxford Traditional Singing and Poetry Group. They are to meet in Guiry’s Bar this Thursday, January 25 at 8.30pm. All are welcome to attend.
There is great relief at the swift return to use of the public access defibrillator on Main Street in Foxford, which is an invaluable asset. The reinstallation was overseen by the Ballina Community First Responders (CFR) group, with the defibrillator’s new pads sponsored by Cllr Neil Cruise and the new door front supplied by Collins Plastics.
The defibrillator was availed of last month and locals are encouraged to make themselves familiar with its location – and how to use it – in the case of a medical emergency. It is situated outside The Old Salt coffee shop and there is no access code on the cabinet, users just have to turn the handle clockwise to gain access. But don’t forget to also dial 112 or 999 in the case of an emergency.
Ballina CFR are a group of volunteers from all walks of life who have joined together to work alongside the National Ambulance service.
Memories Charity Shop, ran by the Foxford and District Alzheimer Trust, is looking for donations of empty clear glass bottles. Lids or caps are not required and actually, the more unusual the shape the better – but no clear glass bottle will be refused! You can drop them into the shop on Bridge Street. The bottles are to be used for an arts and craft project.
There was bitter disappointment for the boys of St Joseph’s Secondary School in Foxford last Tuesday as they lost out in the final of the FAI Schools John Murphy Senior ‘B’ Connacht Cup. Last year’s All-Ireland finalists, a game they lost on penalties, were again beaten on penalties, this time by Glenamaddy Community School. The game at Moyne Villa FC, Headford was all-square at 1-1 at half-time and finished 3-3 after extra-time but it was the Galway side that held its nerve marginally better in the shoot-out, winning 5-4.
Mayo North East Partnership’s Caroline Wilson, the Mayo Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) facilitator, is continuing to hold clinics to assist with the Enhanced DCB Grant scheme, by appointment every second Monday at Foxford Belass Centre from 10am until 1pm.
The call is also still out for anyone with an available property that can be rented out to people whose homes are impacted by Pyrite. For further details, contact Caroline Wilson on 087-4828261 or email carolinewilson@mayonortheast.com.
Prior to the wintery weather taking hold last week, the Transition Year students of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford enjoyed a couple of very interesting outings that provided invaluable insights to the criminal and justice systems. First up was a visit to the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise where the students were given a very informative tour by Jimmy Grehan, the prison’s assistant chief officer. That was followed the following day by a visit to Castlebar Court House where the students sat in on District Court proceedings which involved cases involving road traffic incidents, substance abuse and revocation of licences. It also allowed them to observe the array of careers involved in the legal profession.
Congratulations are extended to Foxford’s Amber Hardy who last week signed senior terms with Sligo Rovers in advance of the 2024 FAI Women’s National League.
After impressive performances with the club’s underage sides, Amber was called up to train with the first team last season and after good showings in training, she was given her senior debut away to Shelbourne in October.
“I’m delighted to sign with the senior team for the 2024 season. I really enjoyed the end of last season after getting called into training and even making my debut. It’s a big opportunity for me, and I’m excited to get going with the girls and Tommy,” she told sligorovers.com.
Tommy Hewitt is the team manager and he said: “It’s great that Amber has decided to sign with us this season. She really showed at the end of last season she can perform at senior level. I’m looking forward to seeing her grow this season.”
Following a meeting at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre last week, it has been decided to revive a St Patrick’s Day parade in Foxford for 2024. It was also agreed to stage the parade a day early this year, on Saturday, March 16. Further details will be confirmed closer to the time.
Bohola Moy Davitts GAA is encouraging as many people as possible to support its annual Club Draw which is now up and running. The draw, which is centrally organised by the GAA with the primary aim of helping clubs fundraise, will see all funds raised by Bohola Moy Davitts GAA remain within the club. There are ten fantastic prizes ranging from first prize of a brand new Dacia Sandero car, a second prize of €10,000 and eight All-Ireland weekend packages. The draw is on March 27 and the closing date for purchase of tickets is March 2.
Tickets are €10 and available from the club by contacting 087-6781500.
The funeral took place in St Michael’s Church, Foxford, on Tuesday, January 16 of Maureen Brogan (née McNulty), Stonehall. Maureen, wife of the late Paddy Joe and mother of Gerard and Pádraig, passed in the tender care of the staff of The Mayo Hospice, Castlebar.
Along with Paddy Joe, she was also predeceased by their infant son Ian and her siblings Martin, Michael, Liam, Andy and Nora.
She is dearly and loving missed by her sons Gerard and Pádraig, her sister Kathleen Farrell (Sligo), in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Maureen reposed at Clarke’s Funeral Home and following her funeral Mass, burial last Tuesday was at Craggagh Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The funeral took place last Thursday, January 18 of Nora McHale, Gurteenamuck, Foxford.
Nora was predeceased by her parents Jim and Julia McHale, her sister Mary O’Connor and her brothers in-law Joe O’Connor, John Duffy and Pat McTigue, and passed away at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar.
She will be dearly and loving missed by her sisters Bridie Duffy and Teresa McTigue, her nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Nora reposed at her residence before her removal last Wednesday evening to the Church of Christ The King, Knockmore. Following Thursday’s funeral Mass, burial was at Ballinahaglish Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The next of the 5k walks organised by Bohola Moy Davitts GAA as part of the ‘Every Step Counts Challenge’ will take place in Foxford this week. The first is on Wednesday, January 24 starting at 7pm at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre while a second will go ahead next Saturday, January 27, starting at the GAA pitch at 9.30am.
The idea of the 2024 Ireland Lights up ‘Every Step Counts Challenge’, which is supported by Irish Life, is that as many people walk on behalf of Moy Davitts and log their activities on the ‘Irish Life My Life App’ which is available as a download on your smartphone.
A celebration has been planned to honour all those members of the local Admiral Brown CCÉ branch who were prizewinners and finalists at last year’s All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar. The event will be held in the Moy Hotel, Foxford on Friday, February 16 and an open invitation is extended for everyone to come along and celebrate the great success enjoyed by the branch in 2023.
The 2023 branch awards will also be presented on the night. A great night of music, song, dance and stories is guaranteed with finger food on the night. Be sure to bring your families and friends.
The proceeds of the annual Christmas lights display at the home of the Hughes Family in Coolegrane are to be presented to Mayo Roscommon Hospice at a special ceremony in the Moy Hotel, Foxford this Friday, January 26 at 9pm. Pat’s County Roadshow will be on stage from 9pm and a very enjoyable night is in store. All are welcome to attend.
The first meeting of 2024 for the Foxford Board Games group will take place this Thursday, January 25 from 7pm until 9.30pm at Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre. It is open to anyone from the age of 14 upwards and new members are more than welcome. Participation is free.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in St Michael’s Church, Foxford resumes at 6pm this Wednesday, January 24.
